NAMI IN THE LOBBY

NAMI in the Lobby, a NAMI Indiana program, aims to educate and support families and individuals experiencing a mental health crisis in Indiana. NAMI in the Lobby is unique in that it connects individuals in need with peers who have lived experience with mental health conditions and crises.

In my work recruiting volunteers, exploring partnerships, soliciting funding, and engaging with the community, purpose has always been central. This shared purpose drives a shared vision and has contributed to increased involvement and stronger connections across the program.

ROLE

TIMELINE

Program Manager with NAMI Indiana

June 2023 - Present w/quarterly evaluations and trainings

OBJECTIVES Development - Introducing new resources - Finalize Youth Mental Health Crisis Guides - Expanding statewide programming Volunteer Management - Recruit at least twelve volunteers a year - Screen volunteers following national and state procedures - Develop and implement volunteer training - Engage volunteers on a consistent basis - Manage volunteer tracking and self-scheduling software Outreach - Manage & develop partner relationships - Lead all program communications and marketing - Establish NAMI in the Lobby as a trusted statewide resource - Report program data, changes, and challenges internally and externally to funders

IMPACT

Over two and a half years, NAMI in the Lobby interactions increased by 430%, growing from twenty individuals a month in the first quarter to over 25 a week (106 a month). Through on-site engagement and digital outreach, I helped families in crisis connect with NAMI support and resources, shaping a program model now used by other affiliates as a guide.

Additional impacts:

Recruited, trained, and managed 40 volunteers, meeting goals in year one and exceeding targets by 40% in year two.
Designed and implemented volunteer training to prepare participants for hospital-based family support shifts.
Organized volunteer appreciation events and interviews, maintaining a volunteer drop-off rate below 15% - half the industry average.
Solicited program feedback and implemented suggestions, resulting in the addition of 29 new mental health resources.
Expanded the program to an additional Mental Health Crisis location serving individuals four times a month.
Tracked and analyzed program data to ensure continued eligibility and reporting accuracy for $700K in grant funding.
Streamlined data tracking, volunteer management, budgeting, and resource allocation processes, reducing overall administrative time by 40% and improving reporting accuracy across programs.
Spearheaded the creation of the NITL program webpage, streamlining program information and resource
access for volunteers, partners, and community members, enhancing visibility and engagement.
Implemented volunteer-experience newsletters, appreciation events, and simplified shift scheduling
software, which led to a volunteer drop-off rate below 15%.